#fnaf puppet

𝕷ively melodies grew louder as the three arrived to the Gala. The string mistros had begun playing one of her favorite variations, her smile brightening when she recognized it. Tonight was going to be a memorable night.

Lady Ballora walked just behind her mother, her sister walking at her side. All three walked with an air of elegance as they were invited to join the rest of the guests from the Anthro Kingdom who were gathered for the King and Queen's Gala.

As for the reason for the event, which had extended invitations to both nobles and commoners? King Pyped wanted to celebrate the anniversary for the bond of love shared between he and Sana, his queen. Both monarchs, seeing all the years they had spent together, extended a celebratory ball to the Kingdom—their beloved subjects.

She found it a romantic, endearing reason for a celebration.

The dance floor had many couples and duos of Anthros, waltzing in one style or another to the music being played. (A glance towards the musicians, and Lady Ballora could see Fred Bear—the King's minstrel—leading a humble band of musicians. She smiled, watching him and two, gold furred rabbits playing in joyous harmony).

The young noble turned her attention to her mother—her sister doing the same. She and Lady Ella could notice the small look of ennui in her emerald eyes, the Duchess watching the crowd. She then realized her daughters' sympathetic looks directed towards her.

"My dears," the Duchess began, taking a hold of each daughter's hands. She kissed each of their knuckles gently. "Please, go enjoy yourselves out there!" She said. "We haven't come to this ball just for you both to worry for your poor mother." Lady Ballora was about to reply, when her mother placed her hand in her sister's. Their mother gave their now-joined-hands a light squeeze before letting them go. "Off with you, go dance!"

"Very well, mother." Ballora and Ella gave their mother a kiss on her cheeks, before Ella whisked her older sister away into the non-dancing crowd. The Duchess smiled as she watched them hurry off, shaking her head a little with amusement.

"Ella-!" Lady Ballora called out, her sister's stride stopping long enough for the ginger to give those dancing a careful look. "What are you doing?" Her sister began her fast walking again—glancing over her shoulder to answer, "Looking for a good spot to dance~!"

"Ella...!"

Her sister hadn't a chance to heed a heads up from her, before the red head was running into someone. "OOF-!" The other took a startled half step away from Lady Ella, mumbling under their breath. "Daioni-!"

"Sorry-! Apologies, I wasn't..." Her sister's apology trailed off, both of them freezing a little when they saw who they'd run into. The King turned to face them, something of both curiosity and amusement found on his painted features. The Queen, at his side, was giving them a similar smile.

Lady Ballora and Lady Ella promptly curtsied before the royals. "I am very sorry!" Ella quickly restated. A small chuckle from the King had the two slowly standing straight again. "It's quite alright, geneth. No harm was done."

As the King reassured her frazzled sister, Ballora caught a glance towards the princes—both of whom were watching the interaction. The elder, donned in his event appropriate armor, was watching her younger sister with a narrow-eyed look—contrasting the kind expressions from his parents.

The younger prince, Ballora accidentally locked eyes with. Both starred into each other's eyes for several seconds. She could feel a warmth in her cheeks before the prince finally looked away. Lady Ballora, too, turned away as she brushed a hand to her cheeks—missing the way the golden furred bear at his other side teasingly nudged his arm.

"-and my older sister," she blinked, turning her attention to the ongoing pleasantries she found herself a part of, still. The King and Queen's attentions were directed to herself by her sister. "Lady Ballora." Ballora smiled, giving the couple a polite courtesy of greeting. "A pleasure, your majesties."

"A pleasure it is," the Queen began, "seeing you both in attendance of the celebration, tonight." She said to them with a kind smile—while hooking an arm with her taller husband. "Of course. And a happy anniversary to you two." Ballora said in turn. Both sisters watched as the Queen lovingly squeezed the King's arm, as he put a hand on her's.

In a similar manner, Lady Ella hooked arms with her older sister. "I suppose we should wish you a nice evening, so we might actually join the next dance together." The Queen looked surprised. Lady Ballora noticed the unarmored prince quietly say something to the bear.

"Neither of you have a suitor, here?"

"Mine couldn't attend tonight." Lady Ella answered. "And, no one has met my dear sister's liking in a long time." Lady Ballora caught what her sister said, looking back at her to give a shake of her head. "My darling sister tends to exaggerate things," Ballora saw pleasantly amused looks across both the King and Queen's faces. "Excuse her..."

Another voice joined the exchange, the golden bear stepping forward. "Pardon for interruptin'," the King gave the bear a forgiving nod, while the sight of their younger son had caught the Queen's attention. "His Highness wishes to say somethin'."

"Gold-!"

"Yes, fy mab?" Ballora saw the prince now with a flustered expression, partially mixed with embarrassment. So much so, even the older prince wore a subtly amused smile in reaction.

The Prince's gaze found her's again. The hesitation grew more awkwardly noticeable, though the warmth returned to her cheeks again.

Just as the King was about to prompt his son, again, to speak, Prince Puppet stood himself even straighter—his confidence returning. Lady Ella's eyes slowly widened as she watched him approach her sister. She wordlessly let go of her arm by the time he stopped before her.

"Your Highness." Lady Ballora offered the prince a curtsy, to which he returned with a boy. "My lady." He said in turn.

"If it isn't improper of me, I would like to ask you for a dance." The musicians had come to the current song's end. The King and Queen smiled—the Queen, more so, beaming. Lady Ella watched her older sister with pride as the prince offered her a hand.

Lady Ballora smiled. "I do not find it improper," she took his hand as the next song began, "I'd be delighted to share a dance with you, your Highness." Prince Puppet's smile brightened.

Now offering his arm to her, the Prince and the Lady made for the dance floor together—Lady Ella, Gold, and most of the royal family happily watching them as they joined the dance.

The prince had taken a moment away from the dancing crowd. The Lady—a Duchess's daughter, as he learned—he'd spent several dances with, was now giving a turn to her sister. Both Ladies wore bright smiles while they danced with one another.

As he watched them, he noticed Lady Ballora was dancing in almost a ballet waltz. She danced beautifully. The violet curls from her braided bun, which framed her soft face, bounced delicately around her bright eyes. Her lavender ball gown let her move with ease while she danced to the music.

He knew that added blush returned to his cheeks, in spite of the colors that were painted across his masked features. He felt the subtle warmth... and heard a teasing hum from the golden bear who joined him on the ballroom balcony with a slice of pie from the concessions.

"Haven't seen you smitten with a lady like this in... eh, well, too long." The prince turned his face away from the bear to hide away any further blush across his face—unintentionally adding to Sir Gold's amusement.

Just as he took a bite of pie, the bear asked, "Is she kind?" Continuing to watch her dance—she practically radiated—the prince replied. "Very kind. And graceful... and gentle, a sparkle in her eyes. Delightful. She's..." Te prince caught the knowing, teasing grin Sir Gold was giving him as he listened.

The prince shook his head. The bear chuckled a little.

Watching Lady Ballora again, Prince Puppet carried on. "I just... think she can do better." He confessed. To that, he expected a rebuttal from the steward—not that his self confidence currently wanted to hear it. Thankfully, the bear's reply was not a rebutal of the prince's comment.

"I think you should kiss 'er."

The prince's eyes widened. His cheeks took on a deeper shade of red. He quickly looked to Sir Gold—who calmly took another bite of pie. His mouth hung slightly agape. The prince shook his head.

"Sir Gold, that's just-! It's-! I-Improper of me!"

"More 'improper' than dancin' with her in front of the Kingdom like you were doin', just then?" The bear noted, brow raised. The prince didn't answer. He turned to watch her again.

Lady Ballora spotted him. She smiled at the prince, who in turn waved at her—he, too, smiling again.

Sir Gold quietly hummed pleasantly to himself at the sight of them, while he finished off his pie slice.

Slowly, both leaned away from the tender kiss they'd found themselves to be sharing.

She looked up into his eyes, his affection the only thing she found in them.

He was admiring the twinkle in her pale, pink eyes—keeping a hand gently held to her chin.

From the blossoming tree whose shade covered them, a small, pink flower floated gracefully from the branches above and landed on her violet hair.

Her eyes followed his other hand, which reached up to take the blossom from atop her head. He tucked the small flower behind her ear, along with some loose strands of her hair. She looked up a him again, smile beaming a small bit more—as was his own smile.

She reached up for another kiss.

"You Highness?" The prince turned his head to the direction the voice came from. A castle servant—one of the new faces—turned a path in the garden, location the couple. Once the fox spotted them, she walked down the path before stopping to curtsy.

"Yes, miss?"

"Your Highness, the King wishes to speak with you. Though, he says it isn't urgent." The prince nodded. "Thank you." The servant offered another curtsy. leaving afterwards.

Lady Ballora gave the Marionette's hands a gentle squeeze to gain his attention again. The couple locked eyes, nearly falling back into letting the minutes pass them by. Her thumb gently rubbing the back of his hand kept him in the present, however.

"I should leave you to your affairs." The Marionette's other hand slowly returned to its place beneath her chin. "Not before I give you a small parting gift." Lady Ballora had a peculiar look about her, knowing full well what this 'parting gift' was.

Puppet gently held her face closer to his own. He kissed her forehead gently, then letting her lean away.

Lady Ballora had no qualms accepting this parting gift. Just as she never did all the other times he'd given her the caring gesture.

The Lady and the Prince both stood from the stone bench they had been on. He offered her his arm. "Allow me to see you off, my love." Lady Ballora hummed, her nose scrunching briefly with her slight smirk. "I thank you, cherie."

He'd found himself standing by the window of the study, staring down over the very kingdom he would soon be ruler over.

Behind him, his father droned on over everything which still had to be taken care of in regards to his upcoming coronation. He'd let his mind wander, no longer paying attention.

His newly appointed advisor, though, was listening carefully to all the details the king was discussing.

As he watched out the window, he couldn't help but imagine the dark cloud that hung over the kingdom, still, since his beloved mother's passing, and his brother fleeing into the night.

And yet, though he still felt the somber darkness, the grief their subjects carried, there was a light still in his life. He thought of her always, now so even more than ever.

A king needs a queen.

And Puppet, he wanted Ballora at his side—regardless if as his queen or not. She was the only soul whom he wanted to spend this lifetime with.

"Fy ngwas!" The prince blinked, turning around quickly to the expectant looks of his father, and Sir Gold. "Have you been listening at all?" The expression on the prince's face was one Sir Gold easily found familiar, these days. "I... well, yes, just..."

Withholding a small smirk, the bear turned to address the King. "If I may, sire," both father and son looked at him. "I believe a certain Lady was occupyin' his mind again."

"Gold-!"

"I see..." The king hummed. He put the quill, he held, back into the ink well. Then, he stood from his seat. His son watched him walk around the desk, stopping in front of it. He loosely crossed his arms and gave his son his full attention.

"Tell me, then," the king began, giving his son a nod, "are you still questioning your intentions toward Lady Ballora? Because if that's so, I must tell you that this courtship can no lnoger be drawn out once you are crowned as king, fy ngwas." He explained in a level tone.

Sir Gold watched the prince's reaction with intrigue. Something sure was appearing across his masked features. The bear raised a brow.

Prince Puppet shook his head 'no'. "I've made up my mind, father." He stated. "And... I think it may have been made up for a while, now, if I'm honest." His father festured for him to continue. "I want to ask for her hand in marriage."

A subtle smile found the king's face. Sir Gold chuckled happily, saying to the prince, "I think we were due for some good news. Real wonderful to hear you finally admittin' this." The prince waved him off. "That's if she says yes..."

"She will." The king assured him. "She holds you, and your relationship to each other in a dear regard. I'm certain she'll accept your proposal." His son smiled. "Thank you, father."

"Don't thank me for stating something so simply clear." The king said, shaking his head a little as he returned to his seat—picking the quill back up again.

"Now, about your coronation ceremony." Prince Puppet sat across from his father, and Sir Gold took the seat next to him. "You have my full attention."

Perfect.

She felt elated, just like that sunset's even when he'd invited her to a quiet picnic supper in her favorite part of the castle's garden. The fireflies had begun to twinkle around them both from the flowers and hanging tree branches, when he'd asked the question she'd been eagerly waiting to hear.

"Lady Ballora, would you allow me the privilege of your hand in marriage?"

"Yes...! I will gladly marry you!"

A large number of the Kingdom was gathered for the royal wedding—held at the castle as per tradition.

Beautiful flowers adorned the pillars, arches and pews which matched her own bouquet. Gemstones sewn into the hem of her white wedding gown glistened, as did the ones braided through her hair. The lace train of her dress still laid in the aisle, even as she stood at the altar with her to-be-husband, and the Kingdom's newly crowned king.

Lady Ballora's wedding day was perfect. And she knew she looked as radiant as she felt. The way in which her beloved was smiling at her, made as much quite obvious.

And the Kingdom was happy to be celebrating a joyous occasion, again, after the dark days that had returned the last two years.

"If any soul here objects to this bond made, here, today, speak now—or forever hold your peace." There was a pause. The couple glanced toward the silent attendees.

Lady Ballora caught a look at her mother and sister. Lady Ella was beaming, and though their mother, too, smiled, she was quite clearly moved to tears already.

King Puppet exchanged looks with his father—stood between them at the altar—who wore a look of pure, contentedness on his face, smiling. His son's own smile turned into a grin when he next turned to give Sir Gold a glance—the bear standing off to the side watching with pride in his pale, blue eyes. Sir Gold subtly nodded to him.

Not a soul spoke up to break the silence. The couple met each other's gaze again, and their expressions brightened.

The dowager king addressed the congregation once more. "Then, it is with pride that I pronounce you husband and wife!" Bride and groom stepped closer to each other. She stepped up on her toes, balancing gracefully, and he leaned his head downwards. They shared a kiss, and a moment after, cheers from all in attendance filled the quiet—all of joy for the newlywed bondmates.

As he approached the castle's lounge that afternoon, he refrained from making his presence known. Instead, he quietly idled by the door, which had been left ajar. He peered into the room, where on a plush canape, sat his darling Queen. A servant was keeping her company, the fox taking up a chair while she took care of some sewing.

His wife had a book in hand, whatever its contents, looking to be a calming read. She kept a hand resting atop her rounded stomach while the other held up the book within her line of sight. Her feet were propped up on the opposite end of the canape. He knew they were bothering her more after each day.

A few rays of sunlight shone through the lounge's windows. From the angle his wife sat, her back was to the light. For a small moment, she looked as radiant as ever. He could feel his very heart flutter in his chest.

The King finally pushed open the door and entered the lounge. The Queen closed her book on her thumb, and the servant paused her sewing. "Hello, love." Came his wife's greeting. He smiled warmly towards her, though first addressed the servant.

"You may carry about your duties, now. I'll be with the Queen for the rest of the day." The pink and white fox gave a single nod, standing from her chair and pocketing her sewing. "Very good, sire."

"Thank you, Vixen, dear." The Queen thanked—Vixen giving her a passing smile as she left the two alone.

The Marionette's attention returned to his wife again. Ballora closed her book properly, and placed it aside. She gave her husband a small, tired smile as he knelt next to the canape.

Puppet took one of Ballora's hands in his, nothing short of admiration in his eyes as he looked at her. "You're glowing." Her smile faltered. "I don't feel that I am..." She admitted. Her husband's expression shifted to one of sympathy, while she rubbed at her temples—no doubt suffering a headache.

"I know you don't," The Marionette said, "which is why I see that someone is at your side whenever I can't be." His wife's smile returned a little. "You're handling this with elegance, but I know it's been taxing on you."

"Do I really complain that much...?"

"Not at all," he assured her, even pressing a kiss to her knuckles, "I just see it. You're my wife. I know you as well as I know myself... that is, I hope I do." Ballora quietly laughed a little. "That's one thing that I truly love about you, 'Mare." She said to him, a glimmer of affection in her pink eyes.

Then, she let out a sigh. "What's troubling you now, my dear?" The Marionette asked. His wife vaguely gestured first to him, then to herself. "I can't kiss you... You're too low. I can't bend down to reach you..." With no hesitation, the Marionette straightened himself up to reach Ballora—giving her a soft kiss. She was smiling, after.

Puppet settled back to kneeling again. He pressed a hand to her stomach. "How were the little ones, today?" Ballora watched the glow of magic appear beneath his palm. "They were... oddly calm today." She watched his expression as she almost hesitated to ask, "Are they...?"

The Marionette was about to answer, with reassurance, the unspoken worry from his wife. A flutter of movements against his hand beat him to it. He chuckled quietly. "They're all doing well, my love." Ballora smiled in relief. She put a hand on top of his, and her other she pressed to the side of her stomach—feeling the little kicks against her own palm.

"Goodness... they had me worried." She said with a slight shake of her head. "Well, both Bonbell and myself can tell you, the babies are fine and well." The Marionette reminded her.

He stood from the floor, going to sit on the edge of the canopy. He brought a hand to her cheek, gently caressing her face. "Only a few months more, my dear. And then, we'll be holding our precious children in our arms."

"I know, love."

The Marionette leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead. "I love you, Ballora." Her smile was now calm, warmed. "I love you too, Puppet."

She'd felt drained that whole day. Her movements, gradually, became sluggish with each passing hour since opening her eyes that morning. In her mind, she must simply be coming down with something, again.

(Passing illnesses always seemed to be something she was prone to contracting, really.)

After all, should she only feel much worse come evening, then she would just arrange to have Bonbell sent for that next morning. For the time being, she would endure.

The Queen hadn't allowed the brightness of the golden sun in the sky to bother her when she'd spent some time with her four daughters in the garden... even if it left her feeling unusually warm after they'd returned inside the castle.

As the five walked the castle halls, the pleasant chatter among her daughters slowly became almost a white noise. The slow ache that had been settling in her head was beginning to worsen. It took her attention away from her daughters.

"Wills he, Mama?" The Queen hadn't realized one of the princesses, Mina, had even addressed her. Princess Mina gave the skirt of her mother's dress a tug to gain her attention.

The Queen blinked a few times, looking down at her daughter. "Yes, my sweet?" Princess Mina repeated her question. "Will Papa like this one, too?" She showed off the lilac flowers from her small bouquet she'd picked—as all for of the princesses had the idea to pick their father flowers from the garden. Queen Ballora managed a smile. "Yes, I'm certain he will love the lilac, too." Princess Mina beamed.

Before long, the Queen and her daughters were leaving. By now, all her focus was placed on keeping her pace steady, and to keep walking in a straight, poised manner. The edges of her vision were beginning to swim, and her head was now pounding.

The princesses all ran up ahead to their father, who Sir Gold was still trailing behind. "Papa! Papa!" They all began, Princess Mina and Princess Lucette already showing off the flowers they held. "Look what we gotted!" Princess Mina said. "Flowers, I see?" The King assumed, reaching down to scoop two of his daughters into his arms. "We's picked them for you's, Papa!"

"And some for you, too, Sir Gold!" Princess Rosette and Princess Tina had gone over to the bear. The King watched with a smile as they handed Sir Gold a couple of daisy flowers. "Why now, thank you, your Highnesses." The Princesses giggled among themselves, before going to their father's side.

"How was... was the meeting?" Queen Ballora managed to ask the question, as the nature of what her husband had to tend to that day still remained at the back of her mind—even in her miserable state. "It went well," the King began, setting his daughters back down. "Meodona's ambassador has left, now." The Queen quietly hummed, acknowledging the information.

"There'll be more to take care of, with the family of New Homestead," the King continued, "but we'll all meet for that at a later date." Queen Ballora lowly mumbled something in a winded response, taking an unsteady step back.

The Marionette paused, as though finally seeing how much more unwell his wife looked—compared to that morning.

He opened his mouth to ask if she was well.

She suddenly lost her balance, practically falling limp onto the floor. He was rushing to her side in an instant. "Ballora?!"

Sir Gold was quick to coral the princesses away from their mother. The four were rightfully frightened, a couple of them crying out for their mother. The golden bear grabbed the attention of the butler, giving the other bear precise instructions to aid the situation.

The Marionette held his wife close to his chest, arms supporting her upper body. She was barely conscious. He could feel the heat emanating from her form, and he found himself needing to hold her with a more secure arm as her frame trembled and shivered.

"My love, do you hear me?" The Marionette began, tone lowered, though speaking close enough to her ear. "Say something? I'm right here...! I h-have you...!" He held her up closer, pressing the side of his face to her feverish forehead. "Please, love, s-say you h-hear me...!" She seemed to try mumbling something to him in return, but her strength continued to dwindle—hindering anything coherent.

A hand was placed on the King's shoulder. He quickly looked up to see the butler, as well as a few other servants, now standing over them both. "Your Majesty, we must get the Queen to your chambers." The butler said. The King glanced back down at his wife's paling visage. "I'll send for my brother at the same time." The bear added.

The King took in a steadying breath. "Thank you, Fredrick." He replied. Fredrick and the other servants watched as the King adjusted his hold of the Queen. He stood up slowly, keeping her limp form in his arms. Then, he began down the hallway—the castle servants following close behind them en route to the King and Queen's bed chambers.

(find the fic here!)